Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: What You Need to Know
Choosing the right wood flooring can be confusing — especially when terms like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate flooring get thrown around. While these three types of flooring can look very similar, the way they’re made — and how they perform in your home — is quite different.
In this guide, we break down engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood, explain why engineered hardwood is real wood, and compare it to laminate flooring to help you make the best decision for your space.
🌳 1. Solid Hardwood Flooring: The Timeless Classic
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of natural wood, typically ¾” thick. Each plank is milled from real hardwood species such as oak, maple, or hickory. Because it’s one solid piece, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, often lasting for generations.
Pros of Solid Hardwood Flooring:
- ✅ Authentic, timeless appearance
- ✅ Can be refinished many times
- ✅ Increases home value
Considerations:
- ⚠️ Expands and contracts with humidity — not ideal for basements
- ⚠️ Requires a stable indoor environment
- ⚠️ Generally more expensive than engineered options
👉 Best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas in homes where temperature and humidity stay consistent year-round.
🪵 2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Real Wood, More Versatile
One of the most common questions we get is:
“Is engineered hardwood real wood?”
Yes — engineered hardwood is 100% real wood on the surface.
Engineered hardwood planks have a real hardwood veneer on top, supported by layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard underneath. This layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, meaning it’s less likely to warp or gap when exposed to moisture or temperature changes.
Pros of Engineered Hardwood Flooring:
- ✅ Real wood surface — same look and feel as solid hardwood
- ✅ More resistant to expansion and contraction
- ✅ Can often be sanded and refinished at least once
- ✅ Suitable for basements, condos, and radiant heating systems
- ✅ Often more affordable than solid hardwood
Considerations:
- ⚠️ The number of refinishes depends on the thickness of the top layer
- ⚠️ Quality varies by manufacturer
👉 Engineered hardwood is ideal for basements, condos, kitchens, or any space where humidity levels fluctuate, making it a popular choice for Vancouver and Coquitlam homes.
🪄 3. Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood: Know the Difference
Laminate flooring is not real wood — but it’s designed to look like it. It’s made with a high-density fiberboard core, a photographic image of wood, and a durable wear layer on top. Laminate is often chosen for its affordability and scratch resistance, but it doesn’t offer the same authenticity or resale value as engineered or solid hardwood.
Laminate Flooring Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ✅ Scratch-resistant and easy to clean
- ✅ Quick floating installation
Laminate Flooring Cons:
- ⚠️ Cannot be sanded or refinished
- ⚠️ Not made of real wood
- ⚠️ Can be damaged by standing water
👉 Laminate vs Engineered Hardwood: Engineered hardwood provides a genuine wood surface, better resale value, and can often be refinished. Laminate is a lower-cost, lower-maintenance option but doesn’t offer the same warmth or longevity.
📌 Summary: Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood vs Laminate
| Feature | Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood | Laminate Flooring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% solid wood | Real wood top layer + plywood core | Printed image on HDF core |
| Refinishing | Many times | 1–2 times (depending on veneer) | Not refinishable |
| Moisture Resistance | Low | Moderate to high | Moderate |
| Installation Flexibility | Nail down only | Nail, glue, or float | Floating installation |
| Resale Value | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Cost | $$$ | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
🏡 Which Flooring Is Best for Your Home?
- Choose solid hardwood if you want the traditional look, have a controlled environment, and are planning for the long term.
- Choose engineered hardwood if you want real wood with more installation flexibility, moisture resistance, and value — especially in basements, condos, or humid areas like the Lower Mainland.
- Choose laminate if you’re on a budget and want a wood look that’s easy to maintain, but don’t need refinishing capabilities.
At RM Flooring, we offer a wide range of solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate flooring options from trusted brands. Our team can help you choose the best product for your lifestyle, space, and budget.
👉 Book a Free Estimate or visit our Coquitlam showroom to see and feel the difference in person.